No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls

by Lindsay Cotter Updated: Nov 30, 2025

Dairy-Free Egg-Free Gluten-Free Nightshade-Free Vegan

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This easy, no-bake pecan pie balls recipe tastes just like classic pecan pie but with a lot less work! Completely gluten-free, dairy-free-friendly, and high in protein, they’re a festive treat that’s perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or enjoying as a nutritious breakfast or snack!

Small no- bake dessert balls drizzled with chocolate and topped with pecans.

These newly updated No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls are an oldie but forever goodie around here. They’ve been a community favorite for years and are honestly my favorite way to get that holiday-ish pecan pie flavor in one perfect bite. They’re great for parties, gifting, or enjoying all to yourself — but fair warning… they are incredibly addictive. 🙂

Fun fact: they ended up being our Thanksgiving “pie” this year because we were all way too full for the real thing. Which is exactly why I always keep a stash in the freezer — emergency small-bite desserts that even picky eaters love. And yes… I might be a little biased.

Before You Make Them – Helpful Tips!

Check your nut butter texture. A thick, no-stir almond butter works best. If yours is runny or oily, start with a little less maple syrup so the dough doesn’t get too soft.
Customize for allergies easily. Swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter, pecans for pumpkin seeds, or protein powder for almond flour and cocoa. Just adjust the maple syrup slowly since different ingredients absorb moisture differently.
For chocolate-dipped versions: Make sure the balls are fully chilled before dipping. Cold bites = a smooth, clean chocolate coating that sets beautifully.
Make-ahead friendly! These freeze well for up to 3 months, so they’re perfect for Christmas or holiday prep, cookie boxes, or last-minute dessert trays.

Ingredients and Notes

Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the complete details!

Overhead view of pecan pie ball ingredients arranged on a marble surface, including oats, pecans, chocolate chips, cinnamon, almond butter, protein powder, and maple syrup

Pecans – You can’t have pecan pie bites without pecans! Use raw pecans for a more traditional flavor, or opt for candied pecans for a sweeter taste. Candied pecans are what I use most often and preference.
Gluten-Free Rolled Oats – These form the base of the dough, taking the place of flour. Make sure to use rolled oats, NOT quick oats or steel-cut oats.
Chocolate Chips – I prefer dark chocolate chips, but milk chocolate or even white chocolate will work. If needed, make sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips.

Chocolate Swap – If you prefer these without chocolate, simply replace the chocolate chips with finely chopped pitted dates and skip the chocolate coating entirely. This keeps the bites naturally sweet and still perfectly sticky for rolling.

Flavor Enhancers – Cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt enhance the rest of the ingredients and add a touch of warmth. Then, I like to include a dash of nutmeg or allspice for an even bolder pie flavor.
Almond Flour or Protein Powder – I prefer to use vanilla protein powder, but unflavored also works. Use any protein powder you like best, opting for plant-based varieties if needed. If using almond flour, start with a little less maple syrup. Almond flour holds more moisture, so less syrup helps keep the dough from getting too soft. Adjust wet ingredients as needed for a soft, rollable texture.

Ingredient Swap:Unsweetened cocoa powder may be used instead of protein powder or almond flour for a more chocolatey version.

Almond Butter – This works as the “glue” that holds the mixture together and gives the balls their rich, chewy texture. It’s also a great naturally sweet, wholesome alternative to the corn syrup or sweetened condensed milk typically used in traditional mini pecan tarts, and no-bake dessert balls.
Maple Syrup – A natural sweetener, this sweetens the mixture and helps the balls hold their shape while adding the molasses-like flavor we look for with pecan pie.

How to Make a No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls Recipe

No oven needed! Scroll down for all the decorating variations.

Chop. Pulse the pecans, oats, and chocolate in a food processor or high-speed blender until a coarse ground texture forms. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, and chop the dark chocolate. Pulse, don’t purée! You want a coarse, sandy crumb when blending the pecans, oats, and chocolate. This gives the bites that pecan-pie texture. Over-processing will turn it into nut butter.

Food processor bowl filled with oats, pecans, and chocolate chips before blending

Blended pecans, oats, and chocolate chips in a food processor, showing a coarse crumb texture

Note: If you don’t have a food processor or blender, chop the ingredients with a sharp knife!

Combine. Add cinnamon and protein powder to the pecan mixture, whisking to combine. Then, stir in the wet ingredients until a dough forms. Tip: Add a small amount of extra maple syrup if the dough is dry or crumbly.

Glass bowl with ground oat-pecan mixture topped with almond butter and maple syrup before mixing

Combined pecan pie ball dough formed into a single ball in a glass mixing bowl.

Chill. Roll the dough into a large bowl, cover it in a bowl, and chill in the fridge.

Note: The flavor develops as the dough sits, but feel free to add an extra dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch more salt if you want that pecan-pie pop.

Portion. Divide the batter into equal-sized balls. I just use my hands, but a tablespoon or small cookie scoop also works.

Uncoated pecan pie energy balls arranged evenly on a metal baking sheet.

Tip: For a festive touch, press a pecan half on top of each ball!

Chill. Arrange the pecan pie bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and chill in the fridge until firm. Enjoy!

Close-up of a hand holding one pecan pie ball topped with a toasted pecan.

Chocolate Dipped Option

Of course, these pecan pie balls are delicious as-is. However, I often make a pecan pie truffles-inspired variation by dipping them in dark chocolate or drizzling melted chocolate on top, and it’s always a huge hit with kids and adults!

Close-up shot of pecan pie balls on a plate, highlighting the chocolate drizzle and pecan topping

Close-up shot of chocolate dipped pecan pie balls on a plate

To do so, melt the chocolate in 30-second increments in the microwave, stirring in between. Dip the rolled balls into the melted chocolate (or drizzle the chocolate over them), then gently press a pecan on top while the chocolate is still soft. Chill in the refrigerator or freezer until the chocolate is set, and enjoy!

How to Store

Once set, transfer the pecan balls to an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 10 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, enjoy the no-bake treats straight from the freezer, or thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature first.

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